President Donald Trump's sudden exit from the G7 summit in Canada caught world leaders and observers off guard, prompting questions about the future of US foreign policy and its impact on global conflicts. The decision to leave early intensified the already heightened scrutiny of Trump's commitment to fulfilling his campaign promise of fostering peace internationally.
Trump's abrupt departure from the summit on June 17, 2025, overshadowed the group's efforts to address pressing global concerns, including an escalating Middle East crisis. Sources close to the situation suggested that the US might be preparing to enhance support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military operations against Iran, which continues to target the Islamic Republic's nuclear capabilities.
However, Trump dismissed these theories. He stated that his early exit had “nothing to do” with pursuing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, hinting at a “much bigger” agenda without providing further details. This move left a planned meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese canceled, marking yet another diplomatic hiccup in a series of challenging negotiations during the summit.
Earlier in the proceedings, Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba were unable to finalize a proposed trade package, highlighting the complexities of international trade discussions. The G7 leaders, meanwhile, produced a watered-down statement on the Middle East conflict. The final declaration called for de-escalation but fell short of demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities. It affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, indicative of American influence on the language used.
The Middle East crisis has had substantial repercussions for global energy markets. Bloomberg reported that tanker rates for shipping refined oil products from the region have surged, with costs for routes to East Asia and East Africa rising by nearly 20 percent and over 40 percent, respectively, over three trading sessions. A fire near the Strait of Hormuz heightened tensions, although it was later deemed not security-related. Nevertheless, the vital shipping lane's security remains crucial to global oil supplies, with any disruption capable of affecting energy prices worldwide.
In corporate news, SoftBank's financial moves have made headlines with the sale of T-Mobile US shares, raising approximately $4.8 billion. Selling 21.5 million shares at a 3 percent discount to the closing price, the conglomerate aims to bankroll its ambitious AI initiatives. These include significant investments in AI reasoning capabilities and collaboration with OpenAI, which recently secured a $200 million contract with the US Defense Department.
As Trump's tweet underscores the gravity of the situation with a cryptic hint at plans "much bigger" than a ceasefire, the international community remains on edge, trying to decipher the implications of his unexpected G7 departure.
